How to Say ‘But... / I would like to...’ in Japanese
のですが
no desu ga
[noh deh-soo gah]
💬 Usage Tip: [のですが] often softens what comes before and sets up a request or explanation, rather than strongly meaning "but." A useful pattern is [予約したいのですが] "I'd like to make a reservation..." or [確認したいのですが] "I'd like to check..."
Phrase Breakdown
の
no
[noh]
nominalizer; explanatory connector
Used to link and soften what comes before, often setting up a request or explanation.
予約したいのですが、席はありますか。
I would like to make a reservation, but do you have seats available?
です
desu
[deh-soo]
is; am; are
A polite copula used to state or explain something politely.
それは人気です。
That is popular.
が
ga
[gah]
but; and
A conjunction particle that softens the statement and often leads into a request.
お願いしたいですが、今よろしいですか。
I would like to ask, but is now a good time?
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